All-Star “Crazy Train” Cover feat. Serj Tankian, Tom Morello, Rudy Sarzo & Vinny Appice – Streaming Now via ROLLING STONE

As announced earlier this month, UDR Music will release a fantastic compilation of cover tracks, featuring an amazing all-star line-up, honoring the late, great Randy Rhoads – heralded as the legendary lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute and accompanying bonus DVD (with digipack edition) will hit stores on March 3, 2015.

Today, Rolling Stone is hosting the official worldwide premiere of the first track on Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute – a blazing cover of the hit Ozzy Osbourne Blizzard of Ozz track “Crazy Train”. The track features an undeniably legendary line-up of musical greats: Serj Tankian, Tom Morello, Rudy Sarzo and Vinny Appice. Stream the track here: www.rollingstone.com

This track is just a taste of what fans can expect to hear on Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute, a collection of 11 classic Rhoads co-written songs. The songs are performed by twenty top contemporary artists, including old friends and performing partners Rudy Sarzo and Frankie Banali, and more great musicians aside from the ones mentioned above, like Tim “Ripper” Owens, Chuck Billy, Alexi Laiho, George Lynch, Gus G., Bruce Kulick, Doug Aldrich, Dweezil Zappa and others.

The album was produced and compiled by the Grammy-award winning guitarist and producer Bob Kulick at his own studio.

Along with the album, Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute will also contain a bonus DVD available in the digipack version, including interesting interviews with some of the involved artists, hosted by Bob Kulick and a feature on the Musonia School of Music, a teaching school on North Hollywood, CA, set up by the Rhoads family.

Pre-order details coming soon! Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute will also be available in double vinyl gatefold and digital formats.

Full track listing with performers:

1. Crazy Train Vocals: Serj Tankian Gtrs: Tom Morello Bass: Rudy Sarzo Drums: Vinny Appice 2. Over the Mountain Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens Gtrs: Jon Donais Bass: Rudy Sarzo Drums: Frankie Banali 3. Mr Crowley Vocals: Chuck Billy Gtrs: Alexi Laiho Keyboards: Kelle Rhoads Bass Rudy: Rudy Sarzo Drums: Vinny Appice 4. Believer Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens Gtrs: Doug Aldrich Bass: Rudy Sarzo Drums: Vinny Appice 5. Back To The Coast (Quiet Riot) Vocals: Kelle Rhoads Gtrs: Bruce Kulick Bass: Rudy Sarzo Drums: Frankie Banali 6. I Don't Know Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens Gtrs: George Lynch Bass: Rudy Sarzo Drums: Brett Chassen 7. S A T 0 Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens Rhythm guitars: Bob Kulick Lead guitar: Dweezil Zappa Bass: Rudy Sarzo Drums: Vinny Appice 8. Killer Girls (Quiet Riot) Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens Gtrs: Joel Hoekstra Bass: Rudy Sarzo Drums: Brett Chassen 9. Goodbye to Romance Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens Gtrs: Gus G. Bass: Rudy Sarzo Drums: Brett Chassen 10. Suicide Solution Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens Gtrs: Brad Gillis Bass: Rudy Sarzo Drums: Brett Chassen 11. Flying High Again Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens Gtrs: Bernie Torme Bass: Rudy Sarzo Drums: Brett Chassen

A lover of classical music, Rhoads had taken initial steps into rock’n’roll as a 16 year old when he formed a band, that soon became Quiet Riot. Rhoads was vaulted to the limelight in 1979 when Ozzy Osbourne chose the relatively unknown guitarist to help shape a new future for him via his band, Blizzard of Oz. The result saw Rhoads co-script two of the most famous albums in hard rock history, Blizzard Of Oz and Diary of A Madman, and rapidly ascended the stairway of fame and recognition for his virtuoso playing and writing. Famed for the way he fused classical flavors with technically-excellent hard rock, Rhoads became one of the most influential lead guitarists in rock.

When he tragically passed away on March 19, 1982 in a plane accident, Rhoads was only 25 years old, but thankfully, the legend of his work, ethos and their continuing influence on a whole new generation of guitarists, has never dimmed.

Celebrate the life and legend of Randy Rhoads with Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute.

OCEANO ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM & HEADLINE TOUR

Chicago Deathcore heavyweights OCEANO have revealed details for their upcoming new studio album, ASCENDANTS.

The album is due to be released on March 23rd in Europe and March 24th in the USA via Earche Records. This OCEANO's first new release since 2013's INCISIONS. The album was recorded at The Nook studio in New Lenox, Illinois with producer Nick Nativo (MONSTERS).

OCEANO frontman Adam Warren comments: "This album is an evolution of our brand of heaviness. It is our most focussed release ever and contains a concept that elevates the band onto a higher plane. I want every Oceano fan old and new to be launched into an altered state and immerse themselves into discovering what Ascendants is all about."

Listen to Adam Warren discussing the ideas behind the album:



Don't miss OCEANO on tour in support of their new album at the following shows:

Mar. 16 - Erie, PA - Basement Transmissions Mar. 17 - Indianapolis, IN - Emerson Theater Mar. 18 - Newport, KY - Thompson House Mar. 19 - Sauget, IL - Pop's Mar. 20 - Tulsa, OK - The Vanguard Mar. 22 - Grand Prairie, TX - South By So What?! Mar. 23 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar Mar. 25 - Lake Worth, FL - Propaganda Mar. 26 - Tampa, FL - Local 662 Mar. 27 - Jacksonville, FL - Burro Bar Mar. 28 - Fayetteville, NC - The Drunk Horse Pub Mar. 29 - Springfield, VA - Empire Mar. 30 - Patterson, NJ - The Wild Bull Mar. 31 - Amityville, NY - Amityville Music Hall Apr. 01 - Albany, NY - Bogie's Apr. 02 - Brooklyn, NY - M2 Brooklyn Asylum Apr. 03 - Rochester, NY - California Brew Haus Apr. 04 - Lakewood, OH - The Foundry

MASSiVE Releases Controversial New Music Video "Lead Hands" ft. Landon Tewers of The Plot In You

New York-based metalcore band MASSiVE have released their new controversially-charged music video on police brutality, "Lead Hands," featuring Landon Tewers of The Plot In You. The hardcore-influenced track was produced by Joey Sturgis (The Devil Wears Prada, Asking Alexandria) and the video was directed by Sam Link (Sleeping With Sirens, Bruised But Not Broken, and Crown The Empire).



I think police brutality is a small part of a much larger issue. The issue being that we as a whole continue to put people in positions of power who don't have our best interests at hand. Our world is growing increasingly unstable, and it's more apparent now then it has ever been, so the idea behind the song is to incite change, only by opening minds so we can come to understand that things are not as they seem to be. We've all grown tired of the ignorance and the lies but it's only by our own hands will they ever change for the better. -Rob Ulshafer, MASSiVE frontman

About MASSiVE: 5-piece metalcore band MASSiVE was founded in late 2012 by Craig and Anthony, who were initially starting a pop-rock group until they made the decision to go back to their roots in hardcore. Joey was then invited to audition for the band, as they were familiar with him and his vocals from the local music scene. The trio wrote several songs together, which eventually got the attention of several producers and management companies. Not more than a year later, Rob and Emmett joined MASSiVE as the last and final additions to the group. By blending elements of thrashy metalcore with the high-energy of nu-metal and progressive rock, the band set out to create their own sound, unique among the rest. MASSiVE grabbed the attention of producer Joey Sturgis in the Fall of 2013, who then worked with them on several songs at 37 Studios in Detroit, MI. The band is currently working with director Sam Link on a series of music videos to be released Fall/Winter 2014.

AGNOSTIC FRONT Reveal title, cover & tracklisting for new album

New York hardcore pioneers AGNOSTIC FRONT have announced the details for the band's upcoming eleventh studio album, ‘The American Dream Died’.

Vocalist Roger Miret comments: "We chose this title cause we want to open up people's eyes to what's going on in this country. We have a lot to say. Not everyone realizes that our government and the people who run this country are so corrupt, greedy and ruthless. We need to educate the ones we reach. We're losing our values. We address real issues from full blown corruption and scandals to unjust police abuse and brutality. Everything we stood for as a country is going down the drain. But we still somewhat have our freedom of speech. We're expressing it all through this record while we can."

‘The American Dream Died’ was produced by MADBALL singer Freddy Cricien and engineered, mixed and mastered by Paul Miner (H2O, TERROR). It will be released April 6th 2015 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The record will feature guest appearances by Cricien, Toby Morse (H2O) and Lou Koller (SICK OF IT ALL).

Cover art for ‘The American Dream Died’ can be viewed below:

‘The American Dream Died’ tracklisting reads as follows:

01. Intro 02. The American Died 03. Police Violence 04. Only In America 05. Test Of Time 06. We Walk The Line 07. Never Walk Alone feat. Freddy Cricien, Toby Morse & Lou Koller 08. Enough Is Enough 09. I Can't Relate 10. Old New York 11. Social Justice 12. Reasonable Doubt 13. No War Fuck You 14. Attack! 15. A Wise Man 16. Just Like Yesterday

HELLYEAH Announces “Blood For Blood” National Blood Drive Campaign

Recently, heavy metal supergroup HELLYEAH announced their “Blood For Blood” 2015 US Tour, featuring support from special guests Devour The Day and Like A Storm. The tour kicks off on Friday, February 6th in Las Vegas, NV and visits 23 markets through early March.

January is National Blood Donor Month! To raise awareness about the cause, HELLYEAH invites you to give blood through the “BLOOD FOR BLOOD” National Blood Drive. Fans who pledge to give at this location (or make a financial donation) will not only receive a signed poster from HELLYEAH, but will also be entered to win tickets, Meet + Greet package, signed merch + more!

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

1. Head over to this location and pledge to give blood OR make a financial donation to the American Red Cross. Take a photo of yourself giving blood on Instagram (or a screenshot of your donation) and use the hashtag #BLOODFORBLOOD

2. Fill out the form below and add your photo!

Join HELLYEAH and let's make a difference in the lives of those in need.

HELLYEAH w/ Devour The Day and Like A Storm:

FEBRUARY

2/6 Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl 2/7 Reno, NV @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2/8 Sacramento, CA @ Ace Of Spades 2/10 Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2/11 Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2/13 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex- Grand Room 2/14 Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall 2/15 Wichita, KS @ The Cotilion 2/17 Kansas City, MO @ Arvest Bank Theatre @ The Midland 2/18 Lincoln, NE @ The Bourbon Theatre 2/20 Columbia, MO @ Blue Note 2/21 Sioux City, IA @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 2/22 Minneapolis, MN @ Mill City Nights 2/24 Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop 2/25 Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s 2/27 Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero Theatre 2/28 Uncaseville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Wolf Den

MARCH

3/1 Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom 3/3 Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head 3/4 Knoxville, TN @ The Concourse @ The International 3/6 Wilmington, NC @ Ziggy's By The Sea 3/7 Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southend 3/8 Atlanta, GA @ Centerstage

HELLYEAH’s most recent album, Blood For Blood, is a welcome return to form. It leaves a mark, thanks to songs like the “Sangre Por Sangre (Blood For Blood)” and “Demons In The Dirt.” Then there is moodier, more contemplative fare like the current hit radio single, "Moth" which connects on an emotional, cellular level. "HELLYEAH lock and load their most crushing and catchy salvo yet with 'Blood for Blood'. Its unmitigated, unbridled, and unique energy makes for one of the best heavy records of 2014 and the band's definitive offering to date. It will leave you bloody and smiling" says Rick Florino of ARTIST DIRECT.

Revision, Revised Premiere Music Video For "Clocksweeper" at BlankTV

Ohio-based melodic metal band Revision, Revised have dropped a brand new music video for their devastatingly heavy track, "Clocksweeper." The video, which premiered at BlankTV yesterday, is an eerie psychological thriller that mirrors the stunningly aggressive track. "Clocksweeper" was produced by highly-acclaimed Detroit-based metal producer Joey Sturgis (Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada).



Frontman Charles Wilds had this to say about the new video: The video is a psychological horror, mirroring the lyrics of the song. "Clocksweeper" portrays a man who has been deceived by his own mind — but believes someone else had deceived him and wants revenge; however, everything leads back to himself in the end.

About Revision, Revised: Forming in Dec. 2012, Revision, Revised consists of vocalist Charles Cody Wilds, guitarists Evan Williams and Ryan McMillian, bassist Jared Webb, and drummer Mike Johnson. The Ohio-based quintet has devoted years to establishing a name for themselves in the southern Ohio metal scene, spending the majority of 2014 touring the eastern and Midwestern United States — promoting their upcoming debut effort, "Dead Icons." The record, produced by Joey Sturgis (Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada) in Detroit, MI, is set to drop early 2015.

KARYN CRISIS' GOSPEL OF THE WITCHES

Karyn Crisis - best known for her trademark melodic singing and growling roars as the vocalist of CRISIS (1993-2006) and EPHEL DUATH (2011-2014) – is a multi-layered artist, who in addition to her vocal talents, has already established herself as a respected painter, leatherworker and more. Most recently, Karyn announced that she will contribute a written piece, entitled “Angels In The Ashes”, to “The Healing Monsters” benefit anthology for Dustin LaValley and Katherine Ludwig. Metal Maniacs co-founder and former editor, Katherine Ludwig, has been battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and dark fiction writer, screenwriter, and metal/hardcore enthusiast, Dustin LaValley, has been struggling with Crohn’s/IBD issues; all proceeds from “The Healing Monsters” (above production) will be split evenly between LaValley’s and Ludwig’s respective medical funds.

In regards to her contribution to this collection of metal-horror poetry and prose, Karyn comments: “When Shawn Macomber asked me to contribute something to Katherine Ludwig's cause, I was honored and thrilled to give something back to a woman who's given so much to the Metal music community. I consider that each action we take sends out a resonance, so with my piece I made an offering of strength to a woman who already symbolizes that very idea to many other people...

‘Angels In the Ashes’ is based around a stanza I wrote when I was 15 years old, as I was ruminating on the limitations of the physical body while I struggled with my own disease. In adulthood, I've perceived that within my greatest personal weakness can be found my deepest strength, simply trying to draw my attention into myself where it lay dormant, awaiting our reunion.”

Shawn Macomber, co-editor of “The Healing Monsters” and contributor to Decibel Magazine, Fangoria, Rue Morgue, etc., adds: "I've been a fan of Karyn Crisis' vision and music for nearly twenty years now, so when Kriscinda over at Despumation first gave ‘The Healing Monsters’ the green-light, Karyn was high on my 'reach' list of contributors. I mean, we're talking about a singular, fearless artist imbued with a very real, very potent vitality and power -- if that's not the sort of individual you'd want standing alongside you while attempting to in some small way confront the forces of darkness and disease, I don't know who is. Anyway, to my great surprise and elation, Karyn was eager to help and her poem was predictably wonderful. That this anthology will arrive roundabout the same time she once again demolishes expectations and boundaries via the stunning new album ‘Salem's Wounds’ is merely coincidence, though a happy one!"

“The Healing Monsters” will be released in March with a pre-order available soon.

Karyn Crisis will return this spring with a new project, KARYN CRISIS' GOSPEL OF THE WITCHES, and consequent album, Salem's Wounds. Due out March 9th in Europe and March 10th in North America via Century Media Records, Salem's Wounds contains 13 tracks recorded by Karyntogether with Davide Tiso (Ephel Duath), Ross Dolan (Immolation), Mike Hill (Tombs) and Charlie Schmid (Vaura).

“Salem's Wounds” was financed by fans via websites like Indiegogo/Etsy and was recorded at The Basement Recordings in North Carolina with producer Jamie King (Between The Buried And Me, The Contrortionist); the album cover was painted by Karyn herself. See below for the complete album track-listing.

“Salem's Wounds” track-listing:

1. Omphalos 2. The Alchemist 3. Ancient Ways 4. Aradia 5. Mother 6. Father 7. Goddess Of Light 8. Howl At The Moon 9. Pillars 10. The Secret 11. Salem's Wounds 12. The Sword And The Stone 13. The Ascent

In support of this upcoming release, KARYN CRISIS' GOSPEL OF THE WITCHES will perform two special shows in New York this March. See below for all dates.

KARYN CRISIS' GOSPEL OF THE WITCHES live 2015

March 28 - Trick Shot Billiards and Music Hall - Clifton Park, NY March 29 – Saint Vitus – Brooklyn, NY

VON HERTZEN BROTHERS TO RELEASE SIXTH STUDIO ALBUM,NEW DAY RISING,ON MARCH 23RD

The follow-up to ‘Nine Lives’ (2013), ‘New Day Rising’ is the sixth studio album from Von Hertzen Brothers, Finland’s Number One rock act…

This time, the brothers – Mikko, Kie & Jonne Von Hertzen – entered the studio, The Farm in Vancouver, with Grammy-nominated Canadian producer Garth ‘GGGarth’ Richardson (Biffy Clyro, Rage Against The Machine, etc.), plus regular drummer Mikko Kaakkuriniemi & keyboard player Juha Kuoppala, and the result is their most ambitious release to date.

Says Mikko Von Hertzen, VHB frontman: “Working with GGGarth and Randy felt like we finally got to operate with true maestros – the crème de la crème of Canadian know-how. All bullshit aside, the end result is all that matters, and quite frankly, I’ve never been prouder of anything we’ve done. Together we raised the bar to a whole new level, and only time will tell if we’ll ever be able to beat that or raise the bar even more. I mean, we are talking some serious Sergey Bubka heights here!”

GGGarth himself concurs: "It’s been a while since I’ve been so taken aback by a band. VHB did this to me. The brothers’ drive, passion and musicality are like no other. The bar has been raised.”

Mixed by Juno Awards winner Randy Staub (Metallica, Alice In Chains, etc.), ‘New Day Rising’ blends the key elements of VHB’s music – atmosphere, intelligence, epic feel, progressive leanings – with an even greater focus on melody and hooks. A New Day, indeed.

The official track-listing for ‘New Day Rising’ is as follows:-

1. New Day Rising 2. You Don’t Know My Name 3. Trouble 4. Black Rain 5. Hold Me Up 6. Love Burns 7. Dreams 8. Sunday Child 9. The Destitute 10. Hibernating Heart

On the live front, VHB have confirmed an extensive tour of Finland, followed by three dates in the UK (London, Manchester & Nottingham) this coming April.